The How-To of Language Learning from Polyglots Around the World

Rocket Languages Review

Rocket Languages is a language course that has been used by over 1,200,000 language learners around the world since its creation in 2004. They also offer a relatively large range of languages from which to choose.

When I tried the Chinese version of the program, I found it to be very methodical in the way that it helped me to understand what was being presented at each level, and then how it helped to quickly advance me to other levels because of the clear instruction provided in previous lessons.

Modules that Break Down Language Learning into Manageable Parts

The courses are broken down into several modules, and each module is broken down into several smaller sub-lessons. With each lesson not exceeding 20 minutes, it provides you with sufficient time to thoroughly practice what you’re learning, but it’s also short enough that you don’t feel overwhelmed.

Lessons primarily emphasize speaking and listening practice. You listen to a native speaker teach you the ins-and-outs of the language, but then you also get to use your computer’s built-in microphone to test your own pronunciation against what the teacher just said.

This way, you can get a sense for if your pronunciation is close to the real thing, or if you’re seriously off and need more practice. Additionally, you’ll also feel more confident with your speaking ability as time goes on because you’re able to understand where your speaking mistakes are coming from and how to improve them.

Rocket Languages Also Offers…

Interactive Audio Lessons

Each level of each course has over 60 hours of audio-style lessons. Each lesson has an audio track along with a variety of reinforcement tests to make what you learn stick. They are designed so you can learn during your commute to work, or any time that you are on the go, using your Mac, PC, or mobile device with the Android or iOS app.

Language & Culture Lessons

Each level also has over 60 hours of language and culture lessons, where you learn the mechanics of the language by accessing audio tracks of 1000’s of common words and phrases. A key fact that has been surprisingly often overlooked by some other big name companies is that you MUST know the mechanics of how a language works for you to truly master it. Rocket Languages makes sure you do.

Reinforcement Testing

Each lesson contains a variety of tests, and each test uses a scientific algorithm designed to reinforce and enhance your recall in different ways. What’s more is that this all ties into your own personalized progress tracking system, keeping you on the path to mastery.

Voice Comparison

Rocket Record, the voice comparison tool, lets you record yourself saying any of the thousands of words and phrases in each course. You gain the benefit of speaking out loud and are able to improve your pronunciation and accent.

Efficient Learning

Each course includes 25 advanced learning technique articles that give you tips and tricks to dramatically reduce the amount of time you will need to study.

Learning Support

Unlimited 24/7 lifetime online access to the Rocket Languages team of language teachers, native speakers, and fellow language enthusiasts. They answer all your language questions and are with you every step of the way.

Motivational Tools

From personalized progress tracking to the points and badges system, all of the courses have been designed to include a whole range of activities and features to keep you engaged, motivated, and on track.

Potential Downsides

Although Rocket Languages is a good piece of language learning software, there may be downsides for certain users. For example, the courses are mostly based on speaking and listening skills, with less emphasis on reading and writing. This isn’t a huge deal for most language learners, and especially not for people just starting to learn a new language, but just be aware that this exists. I know some people really like to learn how to write a language as soon as they start learning it.

In addition, if you try their trial version and then decide to get the full package, your progress from the trial version will be deleted and you’ll have to start again. While it’s not the end of the world (and it will give you the chance to review what you’ve already learned), this may annoy some people.

Lastly, the Rocket Languages courses are only available on their website. Many people these days increasingly purchase things online, but I know some still prefer to buy in stores; unfortunately you can’t do that with this product. However, you can get a 20-disc physical copy of the entire course mailed to you if you really want, but it’s considerably cheaper to buy and download the online version from their website. However, your experience using the course will be the same regardless of using the CD version or the online version.

How Rocket Languages Compares to Other Language Courses

People often want to know how Rocket Languages’ courses compare to those of other language learning companies. Other popular brands like Rosetta Stone and Pimsleur are well known, but are often quite expensive (sometimes more than $500 for a full course).

You can take a look below at how Rocket Languages compares to these other big companies. As you can see, it tends to offer more for your money while also being less expensive.

See How it Works

It’s all well and good to read about a course, but most people also want to see it in action. Check out the video below of the Spanish version of their courses to see first hand what Rocket Languages is all about.

Overall, I highly recommend Rocket Languages to anyone who is looking to master conversational ability in a new language. This is a high quality and comprehensive program, with an easy to use interface at an unbeatable price and guarantees that no other provider offers.

Pick your language to learn…

…and use the coupon code EARLYBIRD at checkout to receive an automatic $60 OFF!

Do You Learn Languages?

If you'd like to share your story about how you learned one or more foreign languages, please get in contact with us at contact@fortheloveoflanguages.com. We’d love to interview you and promote your experience for the benefit of other language learners.